Willberry Wishes were recently contacted by Kayleigh, Ryleigh’s Mum who told us that Ryleigh was diagnosed with a brain tumour three years ago and sadly has relapsed. She adores horses and ponies and although she has never ridden, Kayleigh knew she would love to experience a pony ride.  Willberry immediately had a plan in mind, and got straight on the case, getting on the Wishes hoofline to his two favourite ponies.  Willberry wanted Ryleigh to have an all-round experience of everything that a pony mad little girl would do; catching the pony from the field, grooming, and that extra special excitement of riding a pony.

Ryleigh has an older brother Dominic who also loves animals, so the perfect choice was to bring them to Hannah’s farm as they didn’t live too far away. Willberry worked his magic quickly so that Ryleigh could have her special treat the day after her 6^th Birthday.

Ryleigh, Dominic and Kayleigh arrived at the farm, and once they had settled in Ryleigh led Doris the Shetland to her yard to have a cuddle and a full groom.  Ryleigh really liked brushing her fluffy mane and smoothing her soft coat, giving her special cuddles.  Dominic groomed Millie and helped to get more straw and hay for the stable. 

    

Ryleigh sat on Teddy like a princess, and walked around the farm, saying hello to the cows as she passed.  Dominic was keen to have a go as well and gave a squeal as Teddy went into trot.  Ryleigh sat and watched her brother ride but was keen to get back on board.  She was an absolute natural and so brave and calm, enjoying the connection with the ponies.  Dominic enjoyed seeing the tractors, hens and he had a definite connection with the cows, as he kept going back to see them.

       Willberry always likes to feed his guests, so we had a picnic lunch with special Willberry chocolate cake!  Doris and Teddy munched their grass in the garden with Ryleigh and her family while everyone refuelled with food.  Teddy was a superstar and showed off his lying down trick.  Ryleigh was keen to ride Doris, so we borrowed Teddy’s saddle and Ryleigh got on board - Doris loved it and so did Ryleigh.  Willberry loved seeing Ryleigh with both ponies, she looked so happy and connected.

Ryleigh had one more wish and that was to feed the ponies apples and carrots – so both Ryleigh and Dominic gave Doris and Teddy their succulent treats.  Willberry wanted to give Ryleigh her own special Berry pony to have by her side, wearing a lovely pink scarf which is Ryleigh’s favourite colour. After much careful consideration Ryleigh decided to name her pony Elsa.

Ryleigh and Dominic left the farm with a final goodbye to the cows, with their special presents and a unicorn easter egg for the journey home.  Doris and Teddy had an amazing time, being cared for by Ryleigh, a very special little girl who we adored meeting 💗

Thank you to Alice for bringing Teddy the Shetland, Doris could not believe that she got to see her boyfriend so soon after Arena UK, it was so kind and generous. Also thank you to Vicky for coming at such short notice to take the beautiful photographs.